REV’s definition of advanced engineering
For the purposes of REV, advanced engineering SMEs are those innovative engineering companies responding with new / improved products and processes to the challenging requirements demanded by existing / new customers. Typically they have a flexible approach to solutions and separate out their research activity from normal product development.
Advanced (Performance) Engineering – the local picture
Engineering and high-level manufacturing is an important sector in the East of England, and more locally in Norfolk. Turnover of Manufacturing/Engineering in Breckland in 2003 (ABI) was around £950m. Through research, it is estimated that advanced engineering could be classed as 20% of this figure (turnover of around £190m). By nurturing this sector and encouraging business development and growth, REV will help to underpin future economic sustainability for Breckland and generate quality jobs and inward investment.
Over the last 5 years the advanced engineering and motorsport sectors have become an increasing focus for Norfolk and the region. More recent developments have increased this focus:
• The development of the Hethel Engineering Centre (HEC)
• Potential investment from Motorsport Vision for the Snetterton race circuit and surrounding land
• A number of key sites along the A11 becoming available for development
• Infrastructure improvements to the A11
• Plans for the Eastport development in Great Yarmouth
• Focus by regional organisations on the sectors
• Breckland designated an Objective 2 funding area
• More liberal planning policies around Thetford
• Central Government’s focus on increasing the ethos of lifelong learning to ensure there is a suitable future workforce
• Funding opportunities that exist to support economic development needs
The engineering profession is devoted to designing, constructing and operating the structures, machines and other devices of industry and everyday life. The Annual Business Inquiry (2001) shows that the engineering and electronics sector employs approximately 15,800 people in Norfolk, of which around 4,500 jobs are classed as being ‘advanced engineering’. Engineering employs 1 in 20 (5.2%) of the whole employed workforce in the county.
Engineering is over represented in Breckland and South Norfolk with 18% of the engineering jobs in Norfolk being located in Breckland which is the highest proportion throughout Norfolk. Engineering employment in Norfolk is relatively concentrated in larger SMEs with 70% of the engineering workforce working in organisations employing over 25.
The Norfolk Employment Growth Study (2005) targets the creation of 6,000 jobs in Breckland from 2000 to 2020 and that interventions are required in areas such as infrastructure development and building a high calibre workforce to meet this target. Shaping the Future, the Economic Development Strategy for Norfolk (2001–2010) identifies nine key clusters and sectors to help meet this target – one of which is ‘engineering and electronics’. In addition the Norfolk Strategic Sites Study (2005) outlines that although total employment in Breckland has declined by 1% from 1998-2002, in the same period there has been a 28% growth in engineering employment, and that the provision and development of sites will further increase this growth in the future.
The engineering sector comprises of the following sub-sectors:
• Basic Metals and Metal Structures
• Construction and Civil Products
• Forging, Pressing and Stamping
• Chemical
• Electric and Electronic Equipment and Instruments
• Industrial
• Mechanical
• Manufacturing (i.e. vehicles and parts)
• Aeronautical
Engineering can also be divided by function:
• Design
• Operation
• Management
• Development and Research
• Construction
• Advanced and Performance
The engineering sector remains in a competitive environment particularly in a global sense, and there is pressure to shift from routine production, dependent on labour towards niche and added value activities dependent on advancing technologies.